psalm 23 commentary john macarthur

Basically fear tactics. Note: MLA no longer requires the URL as part of their citation standard. Johannine Writings I think if we could just grasp this first verse alone our hearts could then rest. Wisdom Literature He will wipe every tear from their eyes. '. Bible Commentary by John Macarthur - AbeBooks It was spoken by someone who had been through more than we probably ever will so he knew what he was talking about! To eat at the Kings table in the presence of your enemies would show your enemies that the king holds you in high regard, and would demonstrate their powerlessness to hurt you. This is the joy of the Christian! The idea is of a sturdy walking stick, used to gently (as much as possible) guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. It is a psalm written by David who grew up as a shepherd. The word restore implies the notion of a rescued one. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. The Old Testament Be assured! Luke-Acts He first spoke them for Israels sake, but he caused Isaiah to record them for our sake. He was faithful in caring for his flock and never complained about his responsibilities. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.. No, we are not talking here about genuine needs, not greed'! Pauline Epistles It included the most highlighted passage in the Bible which turned out to be this passage: Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Thankfully I didn't go far down that track but it can plant this little seed of fear in your mind if you let it. You anoint my head with oil (v. 5b). Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. (Philip Keller). The image portrays that God has the power to feed and protect David. As I said, it wasn't all easy and plain sailing being a sheep in Israel however. They also keep a vigilant and watchful eye out for poisonous plants and wild animals. Beloved, I will ask you now a question. range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed The word through is important. Everyone loves this Psalm. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. The shepherds rod was a sturdy club for use against wild animals that would otherwise prey on the sheep. He had not only enough, a cup full, but more than enough, a cup which overflowed. He wrote: Unlike in the west where people get multiple jobs, here the jobs are very rare. Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Use semicolons to separate groups: 'Gen;Jdg;Psa-Mal' or 'Rom 3-12;Mat 1:15;Mat 5:12-22', There are options set in 'Advanced Options', The Whole Bible Sounds like a nice place to be for a defenceless sheep now doesn't it? Dying soldiers have died easier as it was read to them; ghastly hospitals have been illuminated; it has visited the prisoner, and broken his chains, and, like Peter's angel, led him forth in imagination, and sung him back to his home again. However, the oil does not just protect the sheep from nuisance. The analogy of a king as a shepherd is common in ancient times and is not unusual. It was never used on the sheep. Note the pronoun change in this verse. There are few experiences in life that would be more satisfying. So I started checking myself - heart was still pumping, ears were attached, nose still worked, yes, everything seemed to be in order. Pauline Epistles And I used to always think 'Well! Forever. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point It is a treasure chest filled with spiritual truths that encourage many. The world is now experiencing a dreadful pandemic. Ok, I'm being naughty. Hebrews 13:20-21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him His present care and provision for His people He is the Shepherd that tends to His flock. Notice however that the Psalmist says he 'walks through' this valley. Most scholars account this Psalm to Davids maturity that contains vivid reminiscence of his youth as a shepherd. The mercy here comes from the Hebrew word Hesed which depicts Gods covenant faithfulness. Recognizing the value of consistent reflection upon the Word of God in order to refocus one's mind and heart upon Christ and His Gospel of peace, we provide several reading plans designed to cover the entire Bible in a year. And obviously, he would then leave the lamb to die in the wilderness, eaten by its predators! On other days, she was on the other side. Later, rabbis often designated it "The Book of Praises." . GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, (Hebrew/Greek Search by English Definition), * 'Number Delimiters' only apply to 'Paragraph Order', Search verses, phrases, and topics (e.g. King David, who wrote this Psalm, obviously knew all about being a shepherd. As you survey your life, what path has God led and guided you through? He wants to genuinely bless His people and live in the abundance of His grace. PSALM 23:1-4. Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. Pentateuch The MacArthur Bible Commentary: John MacArthur: 9780785250661: Amazon He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. Liberated for Life : Galatians - a Bible Commentary for Laymen by John F. MacArthur and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. So here is a man who has had to depend upon His Shepherd and is finding Him faithful even in trying times. Historical Books Notice how in times of trials, we become more aware of Gods presence. The paths that the Shepherd takes us on are the righteous or 'right' paths. Instead of speaking about his Shepherd, David speaks to Him. The shepherd would use his staff to guide sheep and to pull them back from dangerous places. The Whole Bible b) John MacArthur; MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Ephesians 5:18 - "Be filled" translates the present passive imperative of "pleroo", and is more literally rendered as "be being kept filled." We are "indwelt" by the Holy Spirit at the moment of justification (professing our faith in Christ). Psalm 22 speaks of the past; Psalm 23 speaks of the present; and Psalm 24 speaks of the future. Kings were anointed (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:3, 12-13; 2 Samuel 23:1; 1 Kings 1:39). Not was, like He helped you in the past. Lie down in green pastures quiet waters - But thank Jesus our great Shepherd that He does bring us to green pastures and quiet waters. But that is not how it is in the dry arid lands of the Middle East and we need to read this Psalm with that mindset. Topical Series; DVD Series; Bible Series; Flash Drives; Bundles . The MacArthur Commentaries Series | SermonAudio The World English Bible is based on the American Standard Version (ASV) of the Bible, the Biblia Hebraica Stutgartensa Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. Therefore, when the shepherd started heading off on another journey the sheep followed wherever he went! However, many scholars believed David wrote it during his kingship (around 1000 BC to 993 BC). Messages on Psalm 23 | Desiring God Make sure your view of the 'Good Shepherd' Jesus is the right one! Play. God is his shepherd and his Goda God all-sufficient to all intents and purposes. A sheep is an object of property, not a wild animal; its owner sets great store by it, and frequently it is bought with a great price. The Hebrew word for rod (shaybet) here seems to simply mean a stick with a variety of applications. To walk indicates the steady advance of a soul which knows its road, knows its end, resolves to follow the path, feels quite safe, and is therefore perfectly calm and composed Observe that it is not walking in the valley, but through the valley. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Near death, the saint does not walk in the valley, but through the valley. ii. Click on the different category headings to find out more. Date: 1/31/2021. ), which the WEB has updated. Heb 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, Psalm 2 Bible Study The Current Rebellion & The Coming King, Psalm 8 Bible Study The wonder of God and the second man, Psalm 16 Part 1: Testing's in the journey through life and death, Psalm 16 Part 2 - Hope in the journey through life and death, Psalm 22 Part 1 - Prophecy of the crucifixion and the wrath of man. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. General Epistles What would you say of a pilgrim commissioned of God to travel up and down the earth singing a strange melody, which, when one heard, caused him to forget whatever sorrow he had? In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. (5) Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. It helped him even in the valley of the shadow of death to know that God guided him, even through correction. (General Editor), New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis, 5 vol., (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997), All Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan. Ethan Collins November 17, 2020, Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. They believed that something of the persons identity was tied up in the namethat the name expressed something of the persons essential character. Psalms 23 - The Pulpit Commentaries - StudyLight.org And let's not forget they are prone to wander. Commentary on Psalm 23 - Working Preacher from Luther Seminary His anointing set him apart for his unique role as prophet, priest, and king. The concept dates back to the Book of Genesis when Jacob referred to the LORD as the Shepherd and the Rock of Israel (Genesis 49:24). Pentateuch I need to know you are well.' For them, it truly was the valley of the shadow of death. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. Luke-Acts On the one hand it is not quoted in the New Testament directly concerning Jesus. Psalms 25:4-5 Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. For a shepherd, the healing purpose would be significant. Jesus the Messiah was also a descendant of King David. David claimed that the same God who faithfully rescued the Israelites from Egypt and provided guidance and provision in the wilderness is the same faithful God he served. Nothing is outside of His control. When the psalmist says that God has anointed his head with oil, he means that God has marked him as specialhas set him apart for a significant role. Whatever be the believers position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah. Title: The MacArthur Bible Commentary By: John MacArthur Format: Hardcover Number of Pages: 2040 Vendor: Thomas Nelson Publication Date: 2005 Dimensions: 9.75 X 6.75 X 2.75 (inches) Weight: 3 pounds 11 ounces ISBN: 0785250662 ISBN-13: 9780785250661 Stock No: WW250662 Related Products The Jesus You Can't Ignore: Study $7.49 $9.99 Save 25% 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. Death is not the house but the porch, not the goal but the passage to it Many a saint has reaped more joy and knowledge when he came to die than he ever knew while he lived. Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. Psalm 23 distinctively stands out compared to other chapters in the Book of Psalms and receives a larger magnitude of respect. He had the honour of being King over all Israel, yet seen the lows of having his own son, Absalom, rise up against him and take the throne. Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Countless experts also argued that David wrote it during the later years of his kingship because of its nostalgic and tranquil tone. He had been chased and pursued as he ran from his enemies who sought to take his life. It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the author's heart and trust in God. In Psalm 22 He dies; in Psalm 23 He is living; in Psalm 24 He is coming. The Hebrew word rewayah suggests abundanceeven superabundance. The Premiere One-Volume Commentary . It wasn't a nice dream at all '. 'Is something bad going to happen to me?' The goodness and care suggested by the prepared table is set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. The anointing of oil to the sheep isnt just a meaningless ritual. He leads me - Jesus our Shepherd is in the business of leading and bringing you to a place of rest. [13] And His goodness and kindness will always follow you. So to be Gods guest is to be more than an acquaintance, invited for a day. This is a psalm of trust and confidence in God's goodness in the present and in the future. I will fear no evil. Here David pictures God as a gracious host who provides all that he needs even in times of apparent difficulty. How would you describe sheep? He had a sidekick with him who spoke on 'I will build my church'. 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control since discipline is security., iii. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck Goodness and mercy follow him alwaysall the days of his life the black days as well as the bright days, the days of fasting as well as the days of feasting, the dreary days of winter as well as the bright days of summer. He had known feast. Wow! In the Old Testament world, to eat and drink at someones table created a bond of mutual loyalty, and could be the culminated token of a covenant. i. The hosts care and concern doesnt eliminate the presence of my enemies but enables the experience of Gods goodness and bounty even in their midst. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. [5] We need to make sure that we have a Middle Eastern understanding of the Shepherd. God (through the prophet Jeremiah) said, For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the spring of living waters, and cut them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water (Jeremiah 2:13). Our God does not withhold anything good from His flock. b. Johannine Writings The emphasis of his pulpit ministry is the careful study and verse-by-verse exposition of the Bible, with special attention devoted to the historical and grammatical background behind each passage. And I will dwell in the house of the LORDforever: The psalm ends with the calmest assurance that he would enjoy the presence of the LORD forever both in his days on this earth and beyond. My cup runs over. The good man has his enemies. The words are not in the future tense, and therefore are not reserved for a distant moment. (Spurgeon). My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.' He leads me. Every word in it has a wealth of meaning. On some days, she was on one side of the valley. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. In Psalm 22 He gives His life for the sheep; in Psalm 23 He gives His love to the sheep; in Psalm 24 He gives us light when He shall appear. He is the source of life and a great provider. This unspeakably delightful verse has been sung on many a dying bed, and has helped to make the dark valley bright times out of mind. Wisdom Literature God is like a shepherd to David. Maclaren writes: The rod and the staff seem to be two names for one instrument, which was used both to beat off predatory animals and to direct the sheep.. Nobody is afraid of a shadow, for a shadow cannot stop a mans pathway even for a moment. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck. Pastor John MacArthur. When the sheep are hungry or are anxious about food, they cant lie down peacefully. 3,580+ | 2 min. Johannine Writings He got us to say the sentence emphasizing each word. What humanity needs now is the restoration of hope and joy. He is not just a 'good shepherd'. Psalm 23 Bible Study - Jesus our Great Shepherd! - Jesus Plus Nothing Everyone knows this psalm even non-Christians have heard it because it seems to be a favourite at their funerals. I have a lady at my work who, after saying something that she felt may tempt fate, said 'touch wood'. The shepherds staff was the familiar long rod with a crook on one end. It leads to burn out, break downs and depression. However, Gods care for David doesnt remove the presence of his adversaries. Minor Prophets and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. 'What happened exactly to me in the dream?' With family of say, a mother, a father, 3 or four children, and only one in the family working and bringing in 3 dollars (a day), it would takes ages before one can afford to buy anything extra, even clothes or even a blanket. The little child out at sea in the storm is not frightened like all the other passengers on board the vessel, it sleeps in its mothers bosom; it is enough for it that its mother is with it; and it should be enough for the believer to know that Christ is with him Thy rod and thy staff, by which you govern and rule your flock, the ensigns of your sovereignty and of your gracious carethey comfort me.